President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that his government has curtailed the opportunity for any form of extremism to raise its head again in Sri Lanka.

The President mentioned this during a special address to the nation to mark the first anniversary of his Presidency.

He added that there is no room for the underworld and drug networks to carry out their operations within prisons.

He says that the era of betraying war veterans, selling national resources, readily accepting any deal over short-term gains, or allowing foreign forces to intervene with the internal affairs of the nation has now ended.

Sri Lanka is ready to hold friendly relations with all nations, President Rajapaksa stated. Sri Lanka has once again shown its stance as a proud sovereign nation that is neutral and is not a party to conflicts between powerful nations, he added.

President Rajapaksa says that he has not considered the position of the Presidency as a privilege but only a responsibility. Therefore, he has worked to eliminate unnecessary expenses, waste, and empty pomposity, the President said.

“My success or failure is best measured by public opinion, not organized propaganda spread on social media by political opponents on social media.”

The President, adding that he does not want to please anyone only for the purpose of securing votes, said that his determination is to build a prosperous nation.

He affirmed that he will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary according to my conscience to achieve this target.

President Rajapaksa concluded that the time has come for all to join with the team spirit and fulfill responsibilities in a disciplined manner to build a prosperous nation.

“I love my country. I am proud of my country. I have a vision for my country. This is the Motherland of all of us. Hence, the time has come for all of us to join hands as productive citizens with the team spirit and fulfilling responsibilities in a disciplined manner in building the prosperous nation we promised to our people.”

The full text of the speech made by President Rajapaksa: